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America Bids Goodbye to a Son For many of us the greatest American tragedy was the assassination of president John F. Kennedy. It was inconceivable that an America president could be cut down in such a heinous manner. As national sorrow increased, Americans braced themselves for the nationally televised funeral of its slain President. No one was prepared for the impact John-John would have on this country. Few of us recall that JFK, Jr. was "celebrating" his 3rd birthday by attending his father's funeral. As America halted itself to honor and mourn its fallen leader, we shed tears of sorrow for ourselves and the world. But no one was prepared for the unforgettable gesture of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Jr. when he saluted the passing of his father in the funeral procession. It is my considered opinion that, at that precise moment in time, America embraced JFK, Jr. as her own son. John-John became the binding tie between us and our slain President, and we loved him for his courage and his presence. Sometime in the evening on July 16, 1999, America lost her son in a plane crash; John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Jr. was dead. Initially many people could not understand why they felt so devastated by the death of JFK, Jr. But, as the news casts began to replay the salute of 3-year-old John-John, the connection was renewed, and we remembered how tightly we had embraced this young son in November of 1963. I found it insulting for John Kennedy to be touted as an American Prince. America has no prince, no queen, no king. We have no royal family over us here in America. We are a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. John Kennedy was an American son, not of noble heritage, but a son of the people. For our younger American citizens who are pondering the question, "What did John Kennedy ever do for me," I can answer that question quite easily. John Kennedy helped this country recover from a terrible blow. John Kennedy's singular presence helped sustain hope and trust in the democratic America we take so much for granted. John Kennedy served as a reminder that we must never allow another leader to be assassinated. Finally, John Kennedy reminded many of us that we are a nation that is tied to itself in ways more powerful than finance and politics. Speaking for myself, I will never forget John Kennedy. I urge you to remember him as well. That is our perspective, what is yours? |
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